Improv ABC: The A-Z Guide to Becoming An Unstoppable Improviser

by Ben Noble, Miles James (Illustrator)

Learn the basics. Master the fundamentals. Become an unstoppable improviser. Improv ABC is like an improv cheat sheet. Want to get better at improv but feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Does it seem like your teammates and improv idols are having more fun up there than you are? Do you spend a lot of time worrying if you’re even doing this right? We’ve all felt those feelings throughout our improv careers—it’s practically a right of passage. The issue is that improv teachers around the world all give the same advice. They’ll tell you “not worry so much” or “follow the fun.” It sounds good in the abstract, but when you have a show tonight you need something a little more actionable. Improv ABC is for improvisers who want a swift kick in the butt. It’s for those of us who crave simple and straightforward tips and tricks about improv’s most important concepts. Inside, you’ll C is for Character, with three easy strategies to stop playing yourself. S is for Suggestion, for when you’ve already done 14 “pineapple” and “dildo” shows. R is for Relationship, with 5 ways to make them stronger (on stage, that is). And of course, G is for Game, so we can stop the iO-UCB feud and get back to making people laugh. And there are, obviously, 22 other letters, and they stand for things too. Big important improv things. The things we all need to master to become unstoppable. From beginners to veteran performers, the best improvisers never stop learning. This book makes the fundamentals fun so you can have more fun on stage, starting tonight (well…in 2 days…cause Prime Shipping). The book’s broken up into convenient, easily-readable sections full of fun but informative doodles, so you can quickly brush up on all things improv—from getting the most out of the suggestion to choosing an outfit for your next show. So stop stressing out and start making improv fun again.

Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2015

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The one thing I was missing in this book was an index if all 26 terms. There were certainly pages to spare to do so and it would be nice to flip straight to an entry based on the word. Alas, it’s a super informative, quick and fun read. Not to mention, some of my favorite teachers and improvisers are quotes so 2 stars for the geek out factor.